ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Power
REC & PFC ink MoA with STPL for financing Buxar Thermal Power Plant
REC Limited and Power Finance Corporation Limited  - CPSEs under the Ministry of Power have signed a Memorandum of Loan Agreement with SJVN Thermal Private Ltd.  for financing 2x660 MW coal based Buxar Thermal Power Plant . The MoA was signed in the presence of Shri R S Dhillon, CMD – PFC, Shri N L Sharma, CMD – SJVN, Shri Ajoy Choudhury, Director  – REC and Shri V K Singh, Director  - REC and other senior officials.
Speaking about the signing, Shri Vivek Kumar Dewangan, CMD – REC said that this is a great partnership for the development of the power and energy sector. It is an agreement that will mutually benefit all the stakeholders for years to come.
SJVN Thermal Private Limited is a 100% wholly owned subsidiary of SJVN Ltd . STPL is currently executing 2x660 MW coal based Buxar Thermal Power Plant  which is a green field project designed on supercritical technology with the objective to improve the reliability of India’s Eastern Electricity region and providing power to the state of Bihar. The Foundation stone for the project had been laid by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The total estimated Project Cost is ₹12,172.74 Cr. with debt requirement of ₹8520.92 Cr. As per the MoA, the debt requirement shall be financed by REC & PFC.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
National Policy On Senior Citizens
The National Policy on Older Persons, announced in January 1999, is still relevant and valid. It envisages State support to ensure financial and food security, health care, shelter, protection and other needs of older persons to improve quality of their lives. This Policy is valid till it is changed or updated.
With age, senior citizens need a caring family and affordable healthcare facilities. Various schemes and programmes, including Income Tax concessions and pensions to senior citizens, Inter-generational bonding etc are being implemented to enable senior citizens to lead a normal life.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Sushri Pratima Bhoumik in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Culture
Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurates ten-day mega ‘Red Fort Festival - Bharat Bhagya Vidhata’
Red Fort Festival - Bharat Bhagya Vidhata promotes heritage conservation and tourism of India
Bharat Bhagya Vidhata brings the diverse cultures of India under one roof: Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani
The ten-day mega Red Fort Festival - Bharat Bhagya Vidhata, kick started from today and will continue till 3rd April, 2022 at the iconic 17th- century monument, Red Fortin Delhi. Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurated the festival today.
The festival will feature a wide range of experiences including “Matrubhumi” –Projection Mapping Show, YATRA - A 360° immersive experience, a Cultural Parade, Khao Galli, Live performances at Rang Manch, Dances of India, Anokhe Vastra, Khel Manch and Khel Gaon and Yoga on the Go. More than 70 artists from across India will participate in the event.
On the occasion Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani recalled Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s invocation from the Red Fort to join hands for making a New India. The minister said that Red Fort is not just a monument but a living example, which every year makes the nation realize its resolve, promise and its responsibility towards the Constitution. She also mentioned that through this event, the diverse culture of India has been brought under one roof. We must tell the children of tomorrow that we must preserve what was our glorious past so that they work to take India to greater heights across the world, she added.
The Red Fort mega festival-Bharat Bhagya Vidhata is being organised as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav by Ministry of Culture. The Red Fort festival is to commemorate the heritage of the country and culture of every part of India. The festival Bharat Bhagya Vidhata will help everyone to appreciate the diversity of India. More than 70 master craftsmen have displayed their craftsmanship at the venue.
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, along with Red Fort’s “Monument Mitra”, Dalmia Bharat Ltd. have conceptualized the mega event as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Red Fort Festival - Bharat Bhagya Vidhata promises a rich cultural treat to visitors and aims to promote heritage conservation and tourism.
Click here for more details
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Seven AAI airports chosen for Voice of Customer Recognition 2021 by Airports Council International
Seven AAI airports namely Chennai, Kolkata, Goa, Pune, Patna, Bhubaneswar & Chandigarh that participated in ACI-ASQ survey in 2021, have been chosen for Voice of Customer Recognition under Airports Council International  World’s Voice of the Customer initiative.Airports Council International has initiated the ‘Voice of the Customer' initiative to acknowledge and recognize airports that continued to prioritize their customers and are committed to ensuring their voice was heard, even during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Airport Service Quality  survey is the world-renowned and internationally established global benchmarking programme measuring passenger’s satisfaction, whilst they travel through an airport, conducted by the Airports Council International . ASQ Awards recognize those airports around the world that deliver the best customer experience in the opinion of their own passengers.The ASQ programme provides the research tool and management information to better understand passengers’ views and what they want from an airport from the products and services standpoint.
PIB Headquarters
Temporary disconnection date of BSNL Postpaid Mobile & WIMAX Services
General Manager for Mobile Services BSNL Kerala Circle has requested all GSM & WIMAX Postpaid customers to pay the Mobile Bill dated 03-2-2017, before 23rd February 2017 to enjoy continued service.
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Ministry of Finance
Repayment of ‘6.30% GS 2023’
The outstanding balance of ‘6.30% GS 2023’ is repayable at par on April 06, 2023  . No interest will accrue thereon from the said date. In the event of a holiday being declared on repayment day by any State Government under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the Loan/s will be repaid by the paying offices in that State on the previous working day.
As per sub-regulations 24 and 24 of Government Securities Regulations, 2007 payment of maturity, proceeds to the registered holder of Government Security held in the form of Subsidiary General Ledger or Constituent Subsidiary General Ledger account or Stock Certificate, shall be made by a pay order incorporating the relevant particulars of his bank account or by credit to the account of the holder in any bank having facility of receipt of funds through electronic means. For the purpose of making payment in respect of the securities, the original subscriber or the subsequent holders of such Government Securities, shall submit the relevant particulars of their bank account well in advance.
However, in the absence of relevant particulars of bank account/mandate for receipt of funds through electronic means, to facilitate repayment of the Loan on the due date, the holders may tender the securities, duly discharged, at the Public Debt Offices, Treasuries/Sub-Treasuries and branches of State Bank of India  for repayment.
Full details of the procedure for receiving the discharge value may be obtained from any of the aforesaid paying offices.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Allocation of Funds Under MPF
The criteria determined for inter-State distribution of funds by the Government in the year 2005 include  population ,  sanctioned strength of police force ,  number of police stations  and  incidence of crime per lakh population .
Modernisation of police forces is a continuous and ongoing process. ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects as per Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. However, to supplement the efforts of the States for equipping and modernizing their police forces, under the scheme of ‘Assistance to States for Modernisation of Police’ {erstwhile scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces }, the States have been provided central assistance for acquisition of latest weaponry, training gadgets, advanced communication, police buildings, police housing, mobility, and forensic equipment etc. as per the proposals of the State Governments in accordance with their strategic priorities and requirements. Funds for ‘mobility’ and ‘construction of police infrastructure including housing’ are permitted in cases of insurgency affected North Eastern States and Left Wing Extremism  affected districts. This scheme being a centrally sponsored scheme, funding ratio is 90:10, Central : State, in case of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and 8 North Eastern States including Sikkim and funding ratio is 60:40, Central : State, in case of the remaining States.
So far as implementation is concerned, the progress is regularly reviewed. The progress of implementation is also followed up through fora like meetings of Zonal Council and Inter-State Council. Further, the implementation is also monitored through meetings and video conferences with the officers of the State Governments and State Police Forces. The implementation is also reviewed by the High Powered Committee which approves proposals of the State Governments. To curb corruption/irregularities, the office of Comptroller and Auditor General  regularly audits expenditure under the Scheme at the end of police directorates. In addition, the Ministry of Home Affairs conducts Concurrent Audit of the Scheme and release of funds has been linked with submission of Action Taken Report  on the observations of concurrent audit reports by the State Governments.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply to question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister to chair the 23rd meeting of Western Zonal Council in Gandhinagar tomorrow
The 23rd meeting of the Western Zonal Council comprising of the States of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli is scheduled to be held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat tomorrow. The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting.
The Chief Minister of Gujarat is the Vice Chairman and host. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, will also participate in the deliberations. Chief Ministers of other member States in the zone along with some Ministers, Chief Secretaries and senior officers from the State Governments and also senior officers from the Central Government are expected to attend the meeting.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Xavier Chauvet, International Bank applauds India’s efforts towards river rejuvenation & cleanliness
From artificial intelligence to state-of-the-art infrastructure development approaches, US companies are aiming to partner with their Indian peers to accelerate innovative technologies and solutions into the Indian market. In a session on Digital Water, Dr. Ravi Kota, Minister Economic – Embassy of India, Washington said, “United States can be great allies to building India’s Digital foundation for the water sector.” Xavier Chauvet De Beauchene, Senior Water and Sanitation Specialist, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development said that the bank is very proud of all the work done in India. “Who would have thought 5 years ago that 550 million people will stop defecating in the open in India.” He added that there is a massive shift in the Indian Government’s approach from focusing only on infrastructure development to working with people and bringing about behaviour change.
He also emphasized on the importance of data. “The problem cannot be solved if it is not understood and quantified.” India has taken many endeavours in this direction also. There are many tasks at the work-in-progress stage but it’s a very good start, he observed. Mr. Ben Grumble, Secretary, Environment, Maryland stressed upon the need of nations to learn from each other’s experience. He said that “equity” of water is very essential and shared the success story of the US Clean Water Act. Interestingly, India too has launched ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ with the goal of equal distribution of water to all. Usha Rao Monari, Senior Advisor at Blackstone Infrastructure Group and Board presenting the case of the Thames river cleaning up said that a good mix of policy and finance lead to effective cleaning of the river. It is noteworthy that the Namami Gange Mission has the advantage of these two factors – policy and finance.
The discussion was organised as a part of the 5th India Water Impact Summit by the National Mission for Clean Ganga  and the Center for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies .
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General, NMCG said, “we are glad that our efforts are being recognised by the international fraternity now.” He attributes the success of the Namami Gange Mission to his team, volunteers, academicians and many self-help organisations who are working continuously towards the cause of cleaning Ganga and her tributaries under the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of the Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
India closely monitoring global energy markets as well as potential energy supply disruptions as a fallout of the evolving geopolitical situation
Government of India is closely monitoring global energy markets as well as potential energy supply disruptions as a fall out of the evolving geopolitical situation.
With a view to ensuring energy justice for its citizens and for just energy transition towards a net zero future, India stands ready to take appropriate action for ensuring ongoing supplies at stable prices.
India is also committed to supporting initiatives for releases from Strategic Petroleum Reserves, for mitigating market volatility and calming the rise in crude oil prices.
Ministry of Defence
MEHAR BABA COMPETITION -II
To provide a boost to the growing indigenous drone industry, Hon'ble Raksha Mantri had launched the "MEHAR BABA COMPETITION-II" on 06 April 2022 at Air Headquarters . The competition is aimed at developing technology for a "Swarm Drone Based System to Detect Foreign Objects on Aircraft Operating Surfaces". The competition is named after the legendary Air Commodore Mehar Singh, MVC, DSO - affectionately also known as Mehar Baba. The first edition of the competition was launched in October 2018 and had culminated in October 2021.
All aircraft operators face a challenge in keeping the aircraft operating surfaces clean and clear of Foreign Object Debris . Very often, this is a labour-intensive task that needs to be repeated over a day. This manpower could be more gainfully employed if personnel could focus solely on their core tasks. Furthermore, visual spotting of FOD in low light conditions becomes rather challenging.
Hence, the IAF is seeking innovative solutions towards detection of FOD without physical employment of manpower on the aircraft operating surfaces. Registration for this competition is open to Indian citizens and Indian registered entities only. The last date for registration is 02 October 2022. All relevant details regarding this competition have been placed at https:/lndianairforce.nic.in/mehar-baba/#.
Ministry of Finance
CGST Mumbai tightens belt, hints at prompt action and zero tolerance for GST evasion and ITC frauds
Unearths fake ITC amounting to Rs.396.84 Cr, Recovers Rs. 28.65 Cr. in last 6 months
Mumbai, 11th March 2022
The officers of Mumbai West CGST Commissionerate of Mumbai Zone have busted a fake GST Input Tax Credit  racket and arrested the director of a private limited company. Acting on a tip-off received from Central Intelligence Unit of CGST Mumbai Zone, an investigation was initiated against Andheri based company M/s Hritik Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., which deals in trading of Hydrocarbons and Organic Chemicals.
Investigation revealed that this company was involved in fraudulent availment and passing of Input Tax Credit  of Rs 16.32 Crore without receiving or supply of the goods, in gross violation of the provisions of CGST Act, 2017.
The Director of the company was arrested under Section 69 of CGST Act, 2017 for contravention of Section 132 of CGST Act, 2017 and produced before the Hon’ble Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Esplanade, Mumbai on 10th March 2022. The Magistrate has remanded him to 14 days’ judicial custody till 23rd March, 2022. Further investigation is under progress.
This operation is as part of CGST Mumbai Zone’s efforts to stamp out fake ITC networks and tax evaders, which have been causing unhealthy competition with honest taxpayers and defrauding the Government Exchequer. Through such efforts CGST, Mumbai West Commissionerate has unearthed fake ITC amounting to Rs.396.84 Crore, recovered Rs. 28.65 Crore and arrested four persons in the last six months.
The CGST officers are using data analysis and network analysis tools to identify potential fraudsters. The Department is going to intensify the drive against tax evaders in the days to come with prompt action and zero tolerance for GST evasion and ITC frauds.
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Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh to inaugurate ‘Kisan Bhagidari Prathmikta Hamari’ Campaign tomorrow
A day long Kisan Mela to be organized at all Krishi Vigyan Kendras
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar will inaugurate the activities of Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare under ‘Kisan Bhagidari Prathmikta Hamari' Campaign on 26.04.2022. The Kisan Bhagidari Prathmikta Hamari Campaign is being organized from 25th - 30th April, 2022 under 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in association with other Ministries will organize activities for creating awareness and publicity among large number of farmers across the country about the schemes and programmes of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and other allied Ministries namely Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Cooperation.
As a part of ‘Kisan Bhagidari Prathmikta Hamari’ Campaign, on 26.04.2022, a day long Kisan Mela will be organized at all Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country in association with Agricultural Technology Management Agency . During the course of day long Kisan Mela, schemes related information both Central Government and State Government would be disseminated among the farmers. Felicitation of Progressive and innovative farmers, field exhibitions on Natural Farming for small and medium farmers, women farmers and FPOs, Farmers-Scientist Interaction etc. would be conducted. Various Divisions of DA&FW like Integrated Nutrient Management, Crop Division, RKVY, Agricultural Marketing, Horticulture, National Horticulture Mission will organize their activities during the campaign on 26.04.2022.
During the week long campaign, Union Agriculture Minister will also launch country wide workshop on crop insurance organised by common service centre . A Discourse on agro ecological and livestock practices would be held under DAY-NRLM along with Ministry of Rural Development. During the week a webinar on One District One Product  would be held by the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Food Processing Industries. A National Atma Nirbhar Bharat Conclave of 75 selected farmers and entrepreneurs would also be held.
More than 1 crore farmers and stakeholders are expected to participate in the said campaign through direct  and virtual  medium across the country.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Purchases made from empanelled Tribal suppliers/artisans by TRIFED shows an increase of 166% in 2017-18 over 2016-17
TRIFED has made purchases to the tune of Rs. 15.86 Crores  during Financial Year 2017-18 through its empanelled tribal suppliers/artisans as compared to Rs.5.95 Crores during Financial Year 2016-17. This is a commendable increase of 166% during 2017-18 over 2016-17.
The increase in procurement has resulted in enhancement of benefit to tribal artisans in terms of-
- Employment generation opportunities were generated for 712 suppliers which helped create livelihood opportunities to around 70,000 tribal families during 2017-18 vis-à-vis 585 suppliers with around 57,500 tribal families during 2016-17 &
- Increase in value of stocks to the extent of 166% purchased from them over the last year.
During the year 2017-18, a massive drive for scaling up of Retail Marketing Activities was also initiated by TRIFED for achieving the sale target of Rs. 21.00 Crores and corresponding procurement target of Rs.12.25 Crores. A number of new initiatives were undertaken which resulted in substantial increase in sale from Rs.11.37 Crores in 2016-17 to Rs.20.08 Crores  during 2017-18, showed a record increase of 77% and a record sale in the history of TRIFED.
The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram has appreciated the tireless efforts of TRIFED and Tribes India to achieve the record sales by TRIFED. Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ms. Leena Nair has said that this is the best way to make Tribals empowered and self-sufficient. TRIFED is now working on various strategies push the sales higher in the next financial year.